LCP Torch PassedLCP Torch Passed
Little Children of the World ministry was incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia in 1987. The LCW Board of Directors and Advisory Council held a special called conference on June 5-7, 2009 in Etowah, Tennessee to honor Dr. Bettie Elwood and her husband Dr. Douglas Elwood who retired from their leadership positions on May 31 and to elect a new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Serving as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for the past 11 years, Glenna Houk Waller, wife of Larry Waller and daughter of Dean and Peggy Houk of Barnesville has now been called upon to fill the position of President and CEO formerly held by her aunt, Bettie Carroll Elwood of Etowah, Tennessee. The LCW Georgia office is located at 333 Sims Street in Barnesville.
It was an emotional moment when Bettie Elwood asked Glenna Waller to place her finger in the official seal of LCW. Bettie said she was passing the seal on to Glenna to demonstrate her approval and blessings in turning over her LCW responsibilities and privileges that she had carried the past 22 years.
The theme for this historical event was “Looking Back With Gratitude”. Bettie and Doug leave a legacy that will be long be remembered. Bettie began in Dumaguete City, Philippines with ten little boys who were taken from the streets and placed in a temporary shelter.
Bettie Elwood with Child in Philippines
LCW now touches the lives of over 5,000 people in fourteen communities. It’s ministry includes 618 sponsored children, 8 preschools, a Health Clinic, 2 Soup Kitchens, a Livelihood Program, School on Wheels, a Handicapped Program and 90 students attending college. The open-air chapel has an average Sunday School and worship attendance of over 1300. Three dorms provide residential care for over 50 children and youth. Boxes of supplies and gifts are shipped from Barnesville to the Philippines several times a year to meet the needs of the poorest of the poor.
The Georgia office staff spent numerous days planning the banquet to honor the Elwood’s on Saturday Evening June 6th. Gerry Champagne, Chairman, LCW Board of Directors from Seattle, Washington gave the welcome and introductions. Sue Paul, council member from Adairsville, Georgia offered a prayer followed by Janice Lewis, Moderator, LCW Advisory Council from Bloomington, Illinois, with opening remarks. Brian and Gloria Elwood and daughter Ali gave a few endearing words for their father and mother. A video from Little Children of the Philippines was shown to express gratitude to the Elwood’s. Peggy Houk, board member and long term volunteer, spoke on the topic “Looking back with Joy”. Peggy distributed a Timeline she had complied noting LCW historical highlights from 1987-2009.
Following the evening meal, one of LCW’s newest Advisory Council members, Margie Mangham from Barnesville, Georgia, having recently returned from the Philippines, provided the evening entertainment. Margie portrayed the fun-loving character of Minnie Pearl. A standup comedian Margie kept the group of 42 constantly laughing to the delight of the Elwood’s. The highlight of her presentation was the song she wrote and sang to fit the fairy tale story of the Elwood’s earlier years.
Glenna Waller expressed her heartfelt thanks for the privilege and opportunity serving as Vice President and Treasurer. She accepted the responsibility entrusted to her by the LCW Board of Directors to serve LCW in this new position as President and CEO. She urged everyone to help her carry on the legacy that the Elwood’s have begun to change the world one child at a time.
Wooden plaques of honor were presented to Bettie and Douglas Elwood. The evening ended with the author of the LCW Theme Song, Ann Stansell, sponsor/ donor from Griffin singing the song “Don’t Turn the Children Away” as she played her guitar.
Little Children of the World International Office is now located 333 Sims St. (P.O. Box 37 in Barnesville, Georgia and includes ministry to Dumaguete City and Leyte Philippines and Haiti. In addition to Finance and Sponsorship this office now adds the responsibility of publications, website and the volunteer program. The staff in the Barnesville office includes Lisa Goddard, Sponsorship Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant Leah Sneed and Laura Beth Sneed in charge of Publications. Peggy Houk will continue as a volunteer writer for the LCW publications. All correspondence and phone calls need to be directed to the Georgia office 770-358-2771.
Sponsorship is $30 a month and brings help and hope to a child completely changing their lives and their future. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child through sponsorship or would like to go on a mission trip to the Philippines please contact Glenna Waller at 333 Sims Street or Phone 770-358-2771. Tomorrow the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child.
March was an exciting month for the children and youth in the Philippines. Because Sponsors and Donors care and give to make a difference education is a dream come true. Bob and Janice Lewis from Bloomington, IL. and Margie Mangham from Barnesville, GA. accompanied Glenna Waller to Dumaguete City to witness these blessed events.
Starting with Preschool they were able to witness the 138 little boys and girls all dressed up in their caps and gowns (made by the mothers and used year after year) marching up to receive their certificates and a small gift. Each of the eight Preschools gave an entertaining performance; everyone was amazed at the talents these little ones displayed. The children are so thankful to the Sudbury Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, MA. who gave them an opportunity to receive a good foundation for learning in preparation for first grade. The Joyful Givers Sunday School Class of First Christian Church in Carrollton, GA. also provides lunch each day that is often the only meal they have all day. The Preschool program has touched the lives of thousands of little children in Jesus name over the past twenty years.
LCP School on Wheels GrudationSchool on Wheels was another graduation that touched the hearts of everyone there. These children come from the streets for class each day at LCP, often dirty and hungry with just a long t-shirt and flip-flops. Ranging from ages of first thru sixth grade they vary in knowledge. After assessment each one is taught the principles of reading, writing and arithmetic, giving them the ability to function in life even with limited education. Twenty-two children received a certificate for one year of School on Wheels. They each proudly quoted a scripture and portrayed talents of singing and dancing. Some of these children will be accepted into the SOW In School Program by the loving hand of Sheena Pappalardo from Natick, MA. Thank you to each of the donors who make SOW possible for these children who often feel they are forgotten. Without continued help these children and others like them will never feel the hand of love in their lives.
In cooperation with the Alternative Learning System in Dumaguete City 31 high school age youth come to LCP each day to study and to attain knowledge to help them pass the Philippine test equivalent to a GED. This affords them an opportunity to study at TESDA, a vocational school, or to find a job. It gives them self-esteem that they are so sadly lacking. This program brings these teenagers straight from the streets where temptations and vices abound and helps them back on the path to be contributing members of society.
Also 76 sponsored elementary school students graduated from six-grade. They are now preparing for High School since in the Philippines there is no seventh or eighth grade. Thanks to the sponsors, 
LCP Students Graduate from Highschool52 students proudly graduated from High School achieving a terrific milestone in their lives. The High School recognition service was an afternoon of celebration as the students demonstrated their talents of singing, dancing and sharing testimonies of how LCP and their sponsors had totally changed their lives.
Because of LCW donors and sponsors these children and young peoples’ lives have been changed with educational opportunities and the touch of Jesus. Because you care they now know Jesus loves them as demonstrated through help and hope from people across the world. Please continue to financially support these programs so other children may also feel the hand of God on their lives.
Bettie and Doug Elwood
A visionary and steadfast leader, Bettie Elwood reached out to thousands of children at risk with a focus on street children in the Philippines and Haiti. Bettie has very unique characteristics that led her to dream big and make a difference in the lives of the poorest of the poor. She took the initiative to tread paths that others feared. Fully committed to the task ahead of her, she did whatever it took to succeed. She went the full mile. From sunup to sundown she carried the burden for the poor on her shoulders.
By preparing herself for leadership, she in turn developed leadership in others. Bettie graduated with a PhD from the University of the Philippines in Manila. Under the Presbyterian Mission Board she was assigned as Professor of Psychology and Sociology at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Philippines. However, when she saw the great need for someone to address a worldwide problem of street children so evident right in her doorstep, she left her noble place in the ivory tower to reach out to numerous little dirty, ragged children found living on the streets. Her heart of compassion led her to address the problem by reaching out to ten little boys who had been taken from the streets and placed in a temporary shelter. She soon developed a reputation among the poor and they regularly sought her out for counseling, encouragement and guidance. Her home became a revolving door with someone coming or going all day long. She initiated an orphanage, raised money for an old college dorm and took in around thirty children. She soon was fondly called “Mother Theresa of the Philippines”.
Bettie could think outside the box while others pondered her ideas in amazement. Participatory management was put into practice as she developed programs in which their recipients participated by taking leadership roles. The holistic approach to a worldwide problem was a big dream but she insisted that all the basic needs of the children must be met. Her dream was a ministry that would empower the people to help themselves, to believe in themselves, to work hard and invest in others around them. The concept of partnership with other like agencies doubled her efforts. Her plans succeeded time and time again.
Bettie is an inspiration and example of following God’s call and reaching out to make a difference in the lives of others. Her life demonstrates never giving up, always reaching out to change the world one child at a time. She has impacted the lives of thousands of people at home and around the world.
Now after 22 years of dedicated service, Bettie has passed the torch on to her equally committed Vice President, Glenna Houk Waller. Glenna says, “No one could ever fully fill Aunt Bettie’s shoes. I am most blessed to have her as my aunt, my mentor and my encourager. She has always set an example of kindness and generosity. Thank you Aunt Bettie for sharing your dreams with me, for believing in me and allowing me to follow in your footsteps.”
The organization has soared to unbelievable heights - thanks be to God. Bettie Elwood has made her mark on the world, set an example for others and made the world a better place to live. She deserves to have us follow her legacy so that her unfulfilled dreams can be achieved. LCW needs your continued support now more than ever. The children’s future hangs in the balance. We determine whether they succeed or fail. What they become is the world of tomorrow. We hold in our hands their destiny and pray they may be a blessing to the world.
Graduating with a PhD from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Douglas Elwood was ready for his assignment from the Presbyterian Mission Board. A dedicated professor in the School of Divinity at Silliman University, Douglas always stood beside Bettie helping her to make major decisions, overcome obstacles, and enjoy the sunsets.
He has always demonstrated how important being gentle, peaceful and caring is in changing the world. Doug always brightens the lives of all those around him with his jokes and funny stories.
When he retired at 65, he devoted himself full time to writing books, serving as co-founder of LCW, Editor of Publications, and Chairman of LCW Volunteers.
For Doug and Bettie there seemed to be no limit to what one could achieve if they trust God and follow His leading.
A Filipino Girl Begging for Pesos or Food
LCW continues to experience a financial crisis and a sense of urgency during these difficult times in our economy. For the past twenty-two years God has blessed us with each of you, our faithful donors. We are very thankful for each and every gift. Again we appeal to your hearts to help us continue the mission God has called us to do – bringing help and hope into the lives of the poverty stricken children and youth in the Philippines. LCW is committed to hundreds of these children who look to us for survival. We are their only chance to pull out of the grips of poverty and to be given an opportunity for education so they can become contributing members of society. They are praying for people to continue to care about them and to give sacrificially so they can have hope for a better and brighter future. You are their hope. Helping these kids turn their lives around and become successful Christian citizens makes the world a better place for all of us.
Please reach out and touch these precious children who are so dependent on us, with your gifts. Your gift will make a difference and God will bless you for the sacrifices you make for His little ones. Jesus says in Matthew 25:40 “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”